With Chelsea trailing Arsenal in the Premier League table through the first four months of the season and now gearing up for the Champions League Round of 16 in February, the Blues appear ready to bolster their squad during January's midseason transfer window.

According to Mirror's Liam Prenderville, Inter Milan midfielder Fredy Guarin is a piece that Jose Mourinho and the Blues are closely examining heading into the new year. The 27-year-old Colombian's agent recently confirmed Chelsea's interest, per Colombian network Caracol Radio via Prenderville:

We have already been to London with Inter and met with Chelsea directors to make their interest formal.

If both clubs reach an agreement, a transfer is an option, but Fredy is happy at Inter as well if they don't agree terms.

Fredy feels important under Walter Mazzarri. The upcoming World Cup also plays a role. We will also meet with the Inter owner to see what the project looks like here.

For those who are unfamiliar with Guarin, the South American star burst onto the scene with Porto from 2008 to 2012, scoring 11 league goals for the Dragons over that time and emerging as a superior attacking threat in midfield. He would join Inter on loan in 2012 before ultimately becoming a permanent addition soon after.

He has also made 47 appearances with the Colombian national team since 2006, scoring three goals over that time.

This season, Guarin has three goals and three assists in 16 appearances with Inter, who are struggling and currently 15 points back of Juventus in the Serie A table.

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According to previous Mirror reports, Guarin is likely to cost Chelsea or any potential suitor roughly £15 million.

The fact that Guarin's representatives have visited Stamford Bridge and met with Chelsea officials is encouraging for both player and club, especially considering that Guarin has been linked with a potential January move to Old Trafford as well.

As a result, signing him next month could turn out to be a massive victory for the Blues, who are currently eight points up on defending champions Manchester United through 16 league matches.

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Unfortunately, signing Guarin wouldn't solve Chelsea's issues up front. The Blues are still lacking a go-to scorer and must address their talent level and depth concerns up top at some point. With Eden Hazard, Oscar, Frank Lampard and Andre Schurrle leading Chelsea in Premier League goals this season, adding another attacking midfielder to the mix doesn't guarantee improvement.

Still, given Lampard's age and Guarin's potential in the years to come, the Colombian would surely be a worthwhile addition. Just don't expect him to step in and solve all of Chelsea's problems in the final third.